Thomas P. Benner, 79, of New Tripoli, died Nov. 28, 2019, in Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township.

He and his wife, Marianne A. (Fritz) Benner, were married more than 29 years.

Born in Allentown, he was the son of the late Paul G. Benner and Margaret M. (Powers) Benner.

Before retiring, he was a foreman at Bethlehem Steel for more than 30 years.

He was a member of New Life Evangelical Lutheran Church, New Tripoli.

He enjoyed hunting, and for more than 32 years he raised white-tailed deer.

He was a member of the Mingo Homing Club, the Ontelaunee Rod and Gun Club, and from 1976-82 he was a member of Lehigh Valley Quarter Midget Racing Club.

He served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War on board the USS DeHaven.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son Thomas P. Jr. of Allentown; daughter Terrie Ann Thompson of Wind Gap; stepsons Larry Stern of Macungie and Dean Stern of Fleetwood; stepdaughter Lisa M., wife of Richard Shellhammer of Fogelsville; sister Charlotte Wallace of Wescosville; 13 grandchildren and four great-granddaughters.

He was predeceased by a son, Tyler Smith, and a brother, Richard.

Contributions may be made in his memory to his church, 6804 Weiss Road, New Tripoli, PA 18066.

Arrangements were made by Trexler Funeral Home, Allentown.